Crock-Pot Turkey Breast with Honey and Spiced Rub Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a juicy, flavorful turkey breast that practically cooks itself, you’re in the right place. I absolutely love this Crock-Pot Turkey Breast with Honey and Spiced Rub Recipe because it takes all the fuss out of holiday or Sunday dinners but delivers incredible taste. You’ll find that the slow cooker method keeps the meat tender and the honey-spiced rub gives it a perfect balance of sweet and smoky that my family goes crazy for. Keep reading for all the little tips and tricks I’ve learned to nail this dish every single time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, but together they create something pretty extraordinary. When picking your turkey breast, I like to go for bone-in and skin-on because they keep the meat extra juicy and add plenty of flavor.

• Turkey breast: A bone-in, skin-on turkey breast really locks in moisture and flavor during slow cooking.
• Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a little caramelization to the rub.
• Chili powder: Brings a subtle smoky heat that balances the sweetness.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a deep smoky flavor without needing liquid smoke or grilling.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without any chopping fuss.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper: For a bit of bite and warmth.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the turkey moist without making it soggy.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami richness and a little saltiness to the cooking liquid.
• Honey: The star of the glaze–it caramelizes slightly and balances spices perfectly.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with color and a fresh herbal note.

Variations

I love how this Crock-Pot Turkey Breast with Honey and Spiced Rub Recipe is such a great base you can easily tweak depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it truly your own!

• Spice it up: If you like a little extra heat, sprinkle in some cayenne with the chili powder—I always do a pinch for a nice kick that doesn’t overwhelm.
• Herb swap: Try rosemary or thyme in place of parsley for a more aromatic twist, especially around the holidays.
• Gluten-free tweak: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free while preserving that savory umami flavor.
• Sweetener swap: Maple syrup works beautifully instead of honey and gives it a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness.

How to Make Crock-Pot Turkey Breast with Honey and Spiced Rub Recipe

Step 1: Prep your Slow Cooker

First things first, grease your slow cooker with cooking spray—it keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. Then, I roll a big piece of aluminum foil into a loose rope and fold it into an oval shape to create a little rack inside the cooker. This simple trick lifts the turkey just off the bottom, so it cooks in its juices without getting soggy.

Step 2: Make and Apply the Spiced Rub

In a small bowl, whisk together your brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. I always pat the turkey dry first with paper towels — it helps the rub stick better and guarantees a better crust later on. Don’t be shy with the kosher salt and pepper; seasoning well is key here. Then, rub the spice mixture all over the turkey breast, pressing it in to really coat every nook and cranny.

Step 3: Add the Moisture and Cook Low and Slow

Whisk together your chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey and pour this savory-sweet liquid right into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the turkey breast, skin side up, on your foil rack, close the lid, and set it to cook on low. I’ve found that 3 to 4 hours is the sweet spot — slower is better to keep that juicy texture, but you want to keep an eye on it to avoid drying out. Use a meat thermometer to check: once it hits 165°F in the thickest part, you’re good to go.

Step 4: Broil for the Perfect Crispy Skin

This is where the magic truly finishes. Carefully move the turkey onto a rimmed baking sheet and pop it under the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes. Keep a close eye so it crisps up beautifully and turns golden brown without burning. That crispy skin contrasts so nicely with the tender turkey inside and adds that wow factor everyone loves.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Let your beautiful turkey rest for 15 minutes before slicing to let all the juices redistribute. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Honestly, I think it makes the dish look as amazing as it tastes!

How to Serve Crock-Pot Turkey Breast with Honey and Spiced Rub Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this turkey with plenty of fresh parsley—it brightens up the plate and cuts through the richness. Sometimes I also add a few lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, zesty squeeze if we want a little brightness.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this Crock-Pot Turkey Breast with Honey and Spiced Rub Recipe are creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans. The potatoes soak up the flavorful juices beautifully, and the green beans add a fresh crunch. A simple salad or glazed carrots also pair wonderfully and keep things balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to slice the turkey and fan the pieces across a warm wooden board, garnished with parsley sprigs and roasted garlic cloves. Adding a small bowl of extra honey glaze or pan drippings invites people to customize their bites. It’s a simple presentation that always wows guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover turkey breast into an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, which is perfect for quick lunches or repurposed dinners. When I reheat, I always add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.

Freezing

This turkey freezes well if you separate it into portions and wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in freezer bags. I’d recommend freezing within 2 days of cooking. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the turkey slices with foil and warm them gently in a 300°F oven until heated through. Adding a little broth to the dish helps maintain juiciness, and the foil traps steam. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to dry out the meat.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Crock-Pot Turkey Breast with Honey and Spiced Rub Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s reliable, easy, and always impresses at the table. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a special occasion, you’ll enjoy how little effort it takes to get such a delicious, tender turkey. I hope you give it a try soon—there’s nothing quite like that sweet and smoky flavor bathing the most perfectly cooked turkey breast. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your slow cooker rotation!

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